You’ve likely come across this exotic-looking fruit in a grocery store or maybe even in a fruit salad. The dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family and stands out due to its striking hot pink or green-spiked skin, with its insides ranging from purple and white to red in color.
Incorporating this fruit into your regular diet is associated with benefits such as reduced cholesterol, improved heart health, and regulated blood pressure. Remarkably, the dragon fruit’s scaly exterior conceals a sweet, white, or red fleshy interior dotted with black seeds that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
You can savor your dragon fruit in various ways, whether by creating a delightful fruit salad, blending it into a refreshing smoothie, crafting a sweet dragon fruit salsa, or preparing delicious dragon fruit ice cream.
Different Varieties of the Dragon Fruit
There are four main varieties:
- Selenicereus megalanthus: The smallest and sweetest among all dragon fruits, these gems boast a vibrant yellow skin and a pristine white interior.
- Hylocereus undatus: As the most common type, these fruits feature a charming pink skin and white flesh, though their claim to fame is a slightly less sweet taste. When on the hunt for this variety, keep an eye out for names like Alice, Vietnamese Jaina, Cosmic Charlie, Seoul Kitchen, David Bowie, Guyute, or Harpua.
- Hylocereus polyrhizus: Distinguished by its pink skin and red/pink flesh, the Hylocereus polyrhizus surpasses the sweetness of the Hylocereus undatus. Look for this variety under names like Bloody Mary, Voodoo Child, Red Jaina, and Zamorano.
- Hylocereus guatemalensis: Often marketed as “American Beauty,” this dragon fruit variety boasts captivating pink skin paired with enticing purple flesh.
No matter the dragon fruit variety you choose, the flavor always lands somewhere between watermelon, kiwi, and berries. Always go for a fruit with smooth and vibrant skin but be cautious of blotchy or dry appearances, as they may indicate overripeness, while rock-hard exteriors suggest that the fruit is not quite ready.
How to Enjoy Your Dragon Fruit
Quite frankly, preparing your dragon fruit is a breeze. Just slice it in half, then use a spoon or melon baller to effortlessly scoop out the delicious flesh.
If you’re looking for more action, the following are 7 inspirational ways you can use to bring more dragon fruit into your everyday life.
Whip Up a Flavorful Fruit Salad
Of course, a dragon fruit-infused fruit salad is the first go-to option. The wonderful thing about fruit salads is the freedom to pick and tweak the ingredients according to your preferences –always feel free to select the fruits you enjoy the most.
Start by cutting up your favorite fruits to the size you prefer, and mix them up with some fresh mint, a splash of citrus, and a pinch of salt. Wondering what fruits complement dragon fruit? The recommended ones include watermelon & cantaloupe, banana, kiwi, mango, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pomegranate arils.
Blend the Dragon Fruit into a Refreshing Smoothie
The good thing about making a dragon fruit smoothie is that your blender does all the work for you. In just five minutes, you can treat yourself to a delicious and nutrient-packed smoothie that combines plant-based milk with the lively essence of dragon fruit, the sweetness of strawberries, the creamy texture of banana, or any other fruit-based ingredients you prefer.
Some ideal additions include a cup of milk for a thicker consistency, as well as toppings such as honey, nuts, sliced fresh fruit, seeds, granola, and almond butter. For a sweeter experience, consider swapping out the milk for apple juice before blending.
Make a Sweet Dragon Fruit Salsa
A fruit salsa shares similarities with fruit salad, but features smaller, bite-sized cuts served alongside cinnamon sugar tortilla chips. A delightful and sweet twist of dragon fruit on classic chips and salsa is perfect for the summertime.
Here’s an easy and delicious dragon fruit salsa recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 dragon fruit (white, red, or both), peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the dragon fruit, lime juice, green onion, and cilantro.
- Toss the ingredients until they have been thoroughly mixed.
- After that, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend.
- You can now serve the salsa with tortilla chips, as a side dish, with grilled fish (such as salmon or mahi-mahi) or chicken, or as a delightful garnish for DIY poke bowls.
Prepare Dragon Fruit Ice Cream
For a laid-back yet delightful finale, try making dragon fruit ice cream. Start by scooping out the fruit from one dragon fruit. In a saucepan, combine a 16 oz can of full-fat coconut milk, three pastured egg yolks, a teaspoon of organic vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Then bring the mixture to a mild boil, whisking continuously.
After removing it from heat, let it cool. Process the scooped dragon fruit in a food processor and add it to the cooled coconut milk blend. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. Once chilled, use it in your ice cream maker.
Unlike typical coconut milk ice creams, this one remains creamy and doesn’t turn rock-hard.
Conclusion
Dragon fruit isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a nutritious addition too, having the ability to boost heart health, among other benefits. You can always throw it into a refreshing fruit salad, blend it into a smoothie, or even turn it into a homemade ice cream party.
So, whether you’re a fruit enthusiast or just looking for an excuse to eat something exotic, hop on the dragon fruit bandwagon and let the good vibes roll! Your taste buds and health will thank you.
If you want to learn more about dragon fruits or purchase fresh and ethically sourced produce from FAVE Produce, you can check out our product pages.
FAQs About Dragon Fruit
Where Did Dragon Fruit Originally Come From?
Also known as Pitaya, the dragon fruit, hails from the southern parts of Mexico and the Pacific coasts of countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Nowadays, you can find dragon fruit being grown in various places, including North America.
What Benefits Does Dragon Fruit Have?
Dragon fruits have an abundance of fiber and antioxidants that enhance support for gut health and the immune system, enhance blood circulation, and help prevent chronic diseases.
What Is the Best Time to Eat Dragon Fruit?
While it is best to enjoy your fruits in the morning, dragon fruit can be enjoyed as a snack or even in the evening and in the night.